TOOR DAL (SPLIT YELLOW PIGEON PEAS)

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Toor Dal (Split Yellow Pigeon Peas) image

Dal can be made with all kinds of lentils and cooking methods. These vary not just from region to region, but also from day to day, mood to mood. Some cooks like dal soupy, others chunky. There are dals for special occasions, seasoned with charcoal smoke and butter or padded out luxuriously with cream, as well as lighter, leaner dals that can restore you when you're not feeling well.The flavor of this everyday, Gujarati-style dal comes from the pure nuttiness of split pigeon peas, boiled until tender and bolstered with spices bloomed in hot ghee. This fat-tempering technique, called vaghar in Gujarati, has many names and many uses across the country. In this case, the tempering is a great introduction to the resourcefulness and finesse of Indian home cooks: Just a few tablespoons of carefully seasoned fat, tipped in at the very last moment, transform an entire pot.

Provided by Tejal Rao

Categories     dinner, soups and stews, main course, side dish

Time 4h

Yield 4 to 6 servings (about 3 cups)

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 cup toor dal (split yellow pigeon peas)
2 Roma tomatoes, roughly chopped
1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 cup raw whole peanuts
1/4 cup/55 grams ghee
1 sprig fresh curry leaves
3 small pieces Indian cinnamon or 1 cinnamon stick
3 red dried chiles, such as chile de árbol
3 cloves
1/4 teaspoon black mustard seeds
Pinch of asafoetida

Steps:

  • Prepare the dal: Soak the pigeon peas in a large bowl of warm water for about 1 hour. (They will have swelled a little.) Thoroughly rinse the soaked pigeon peas with fresh water, then tip the drained pigeon peas into a pot.
  • Add tomatoes, turmeric, salt and 5 cups water, and bring to a boil over high. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer until very tender, 25 to 30 minutes.
  • Use an immersion blender to purée some of the dal, leaving some intact and getting some very smooth, or whisk vigorously to break up some of the soft dal. Stir in the peanuts and continue to simmer, stirring occasionally, until the dal is very tender, about 30 minutes. Taste and adjust with salt. If the dal has become too thick for your liking, stir in a splash of water.
  • Prepare the tempering: In a small saucepan over medium heat, warm the ghee. When hot, carefully add all of the tempering ingredients (the mustard seeds will sputter!) and swirl the pan until you can smell all the toasted spices, about 30 seconds. Pour everything over the hot dal.

Qamar Ayesha
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Meh. Not the best toor dal I've had. It was just okay.


Babar Icms
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This toor dal was a bit of a disappointment. The flavor was bland and the texture was mushy. I think I'll stick to my usual recipe next time.


Abdulrahman Mustapha
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Absolutely love this toor dal recipe! It's become a staple in my kitchen. The dal is always creamy and flavorful, and the coconut milk adds a wonderful richness. I often add some chopped veggies for extra nutrition and texture.


MD BAKIR ISLAM
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Just made this toor dal and it turned out fantastic! The flavors are incredibly well-balanced and the texture is perfect. The addition of coconut milk really takes it to the next level. Highly recommend!


El Raquel
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This toor dal recipe is a game-changer! The combination of spices and lentils is simply divine. The coconut milk adds a delightful creaminess and the cilantro and lime give it a refreshing touch. I can't stop eating it!


amankhan210 amankhan210
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Delicious and easy to make! The toor dal was creamy and flavorful, and the coconut milk added a lovely richness. The instructions were clear and concise, making it a great choice for busy weeknight meals.


Steven Hay Riddell
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Not bad at all! The toor dal had a nice flavor and the coconut milk added a nice touch of richness. However, I found the texture to be a bit too mushy for my liking. Overall, a solid recipe but I might adjust the cooking time next time.


Phillip Dalton
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This recipe is a keeper! The toor dal was incredibly flavorful and the coconut milk gave it a lovely creaminess. The instructions were straightforward and the cooking time was just right. Definitely a dish I'll be making again and again.


Lakshan La
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Easy to make and packed with flavor. The toor dal turned out creamy and comforting. Loved the addition of cilantro and lime for a fresh touch. Highly recommend!


Feat Gaming
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Absolutely delicious! The toor dal had a perfect balance of spices and the texture was just right. The coconut milk made it extra creamy and flavorful. Will definitely be making this again!


oriyomi jumoke
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This toor dal recipe was a delightful culinary experience! The combination of spices and lentils created a flavorful and comforting dish. I especially enjoyed the addition of coconut milk, which added a creamy richness. The instructions were clear an